Savannah’s historic squares are one of the biggest reasons the city feels unlike anywhere else in America. Instead of one central park or a single downtown plaza, Savannah’s Historic District is built around a network of shaded public squares that make the city both beautiful and easy to explore on foot.
Originally designed as part of Savannah’s 18th-century city plan, the squares were created to organize neighborhoods, provide green space, and bring people together. Today, they remain some of the most memorable places to walk, pause, take photos, and understand the character of the city.
There are more than 20 squares in Savannah, but first-time visitors do not need to see every one to appreciate the city. These are the historic squares worth prioritizing if you want beauty, history, walkability, and a true sense of Savannah.
Chippewa Square
Chippewa Square is one of Savannah’s most recognizable squares and a great place to begin. Located along Bull Street, it sits in the heart of the Historic District and is surrounded by theaters, historic buildings, and some of the city’s most classic streetscapes.
Many visitors know Chippewa Square because of its connection to Forrest Gump, but the square is worth visiting even without the movie reference. It offers a strong mix of shade, monuments, architecture, and central location.
Best for:
First-time visitors
Easy walking routes
Film fans
Classic Savannah photos
Monterey Square
Monterey Square is one of Savannah’s most beautiful and atmospheric squares. It is best known for its surrounding architecture, including the famous Mercer-Williams House nearby.
This square feels especially elegant, with mature trees, historic homes, and a quieter residential setting that gives visitors a sense of Savannah beyond the busier tourist corridors.
Best for:
Architecture lovers
Photography
Historic home views
A quieter walking stop
Madison Square
Madison Square is a strong choice for visitors who want history and convenience in one stop. It sits close to several notable landmarks and makes an easy connection point while walking between Forsyth Park and the northern Historic District.
The square has a more active feel than some of the smaller, quieter squares, but it still offers shade, benches, and a clear sense of Savannah’s historic layout.
Best for:
Walking routes
History-focused visitors
Easy access to nearby restaurants and shops
First-time Historic District exploring
Wright Square
Wright Square is one of Savannah’s oldest and most historically significant squares. Located near the center of the Historic District, it has long been part of the city’s civic and cultural landscape.
This is a good square to visit if you want to understand how Savannah’s public spaces connect to the city’s deeper history. It also works well as part of a self-guided walking route through downtown.
Best for:
History lovers
Central location
Self-guided walking tours
Visitors who want context beyond scenery
Johnson Square
Johnson Square is Savannah’s oldest and largest square, making it one of the most important stops for first-time visitors. It is located near City Hall and the riverfront, so it pairs well with a walk toward River Street.
Because of its size and location, Johnson Square feels more formal than some of the smaller residential squares. It is a good reminder that Savannah’s squares were not just decorative. They were part of how the city was planned and organized.
Best for:
Savannah history
River Street routes
First-time visitors
Classic downtown sightseeing
Columbia Square
Columbia Square is a quieter, more peaceful stop that helps visitors appreciate the residential charm of Savannah. It is less crowded than some of the better-known squares, which makes it a favorite for travelers who enjoy slower walks and smaller details.
The surrounding homes, brick sidewalks, trees, and shaded benches make it feel like the kind of place you discover naturally while wandering.
Best for:
Quiet moments
Photography
Slower walks
Historic neighborhood atmosphere
How to Explore Savannah’s Squares
The best way to experience Savannah’s squares is on foot. Rather than rushing from one to the next, choose a loose route and leave time to wander. The Historic District is one of the most walkable areas in the city, and many of the best views happen between the major landmarks.
A simple route could begin near Johnson Square, continue along Bull Street through Chippewa and Madison Square, then move toward Monterey Square and Forsyth Park.
Stay Close to Savannah’s Historic Squares
If Savannah’s squares are a major part of your trip, staying in the Historic District makes the experience much easier. With Southern Belle Vacation Rentals, you can choose a home base that keeps Savannah’s most walkable streets, parks, restaurants, and historic landmarks nearby.
Browse Savannah vacation rentals to find a stay that lets you explore the squares at your own pace.
Experience Savannah One Square at a Time
Savannah’s squares are not just places to pass through. They are the framework of the city.
From the beauty of Monterey Square to the history of Johnson Square and the familiar charm of Chippewa Square, each one adds something different to the Savannah experience.
For first-time visitors, the best approach is simple: walk slowly, look up often, and let the squares guide the day.